Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport to Celebrate Youth Day

This year the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) will celebrate Youth Day (16 June) by launching the Western Cape jazz legends mural booklet at Artscape in Cape Town.

The booklet pays homage to the rich jazz heritage of the Western Cape and forms part of the jazz legends project conceptualised by the DCAS Arts and Culture component. It is the narrative of the images depicted on the mural at Artscape, which serve as a record of our musical history and an educational tool. The booklet will be available on the Western Cape Government website after the launch.

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer, says documenting our musical history ensures that the impact of these legends on the Western Cape musical landscape is captured for posterity and that their stories will motivate aspiring musicians.

Dr Meyer added that the booklet represents an important step towards the building of a socially inclusive Western Cape. “These jazz legends unite us around our common love for music and the unique sounds of Cape Town jazz. Let’s celebrate their achievements and resolve to continue building on this initiative to acknowledge our musicians who created musical melodies that fill us with joy. Their music often leaves us in awe of their amazing talent and with a deep sense of self-worth and cultural warmth.”

The Youth Day celebrations will conclude with a production commissioned by DCAS, with performances of jazz, hip-hop, contemporary African dance and indigenous music. Young people from across the province will showcase their talent. The production cast consists of developmental artists of organisations that have been working with DCAS for an extended period.

Mr William Masemola of DCAS Arts and Culture says that the aim of the production is to indicate how the youth have progressed and to relay a message that young people can enrich their lives through the power of music and the arts. Tickets for the showcase cost R30 at Computicket.

Youth Day Events Calendar 2013